1.6 A wknd w/ Uncle Skunk
The Brooklyn band on Dave and Busters, the internet cafe and Sunday afternoon's Bands do BK brunch at Arlene's Grocery
In the words of a wise man (Eminem this time), SNAP BACK TO REALITY because the holidays are over hunnnnyyyyyyyy.
Fortunately, the best part of living in New York is that there’s always something to celebrate plus consistently, roughly, a million things to do every single day/night—this weekend, of course, being absolutely no exception.
But for the purpose of this particular intro, we’re gonna skip right on ahead to Sunday.
As your ma, pa and pediatrician (or at least a bunch of girls named Britneigh, Whittney, Kaitlynn and… idk, Kaylynn???) always say, BRUNCH is the most important meal of the day, so gather your pals and head over to Arlene’s Grocery, where this Sunday afternoon, we will be serving up a FEAST FOR THE EARS in the form of a 3-band bill featuring Lily Mao, Sue Your Landlord and the stars of this week’s SETLIST, Uncle Skunk.
Doors at 1:30 PM // Tix available here.
(Don’t let the gobbling gremlins and demented circus-meets-Last-Supper vibes of the absolutely perfect poster above—created by Otis of Uncle Skunk—mislead you; for the record, there will be no actual food.)
Now please, join us in song:
Weeee want the Skunk.
GOTTA HAVE THAT SKUNK!
Apologies/you’re welcome!
For those unfamiliar, Uncle Skunk is an NYC ROCK BAND formed 3-4 years ago that draws influence and inspiration from across the sonic spectrum, pulling from folk to metal to create a special kind of music fusion. And while the band is working on their third EP, they’re currently hitting stages ‘round the city to rip through their second, Heaven River, which features song titles both celebratory (“Woohoo”) and eerily relatable (“Stuck in a Toaster”).
That said, we all know the BEST way to get to know a band is to find out how they spend their time offstage, so READ ON for an Uncle Skunk-approved weekend ft. gamin’, beachin’ and what some might consider a slightly alarming amount of sausage.
SMELL YA L8R!
[BUT FIRST: PRESS PLAY]
FRIDAY
BrookLAN— at 339 Troutman St, Brooklyn, NY 11237. This is one of the most special places in Brooklyn. Think of an internet cafe, stocked with state-of-the-art gaming computers, pinball machines, board games etc. that is also equipped with a very reasonably priced full bar and a great kitchen. How do they make money? I do not know. Friday is an excellent day to get there early, play some games, hang out and enjoy some very good food.
DSK Fort Greene— at 710 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217. When I have any money, you will find me here drinking Einbecker and eating a sausage. I cannot recommend this place enough for a middle of the day/early afternoon beer session.
The Emerson— at 561 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205. This place is an incredible cash-only bar where, if you play your card rights, you can lock down a wonderful pool table for an extremely reasonable hourly rate. Incredible staff and incredible food in the backyard.
As per Teddy: “Get a $8 bottle of vodka and drink it in a brown bag whilst spliffing in Chinatown”
SATURDAY
Dave and Busters at the Atlantic Terminal. You’ve gotta do this on a Saturday night at least once in your life to see what being alive is all about. Also, a general note, the Wednesday happy hour is a good way to ease in if you’re a little scared.
New York Aquarium— Coney Island. This needs no explanation. Go.
Plumb Beach, Belt Parkway. I am aware it is January and this is certainly super deep for many, I think its worth taking a little winter beach walk from time to time—this is the place to do it. Most tranquil beach in NYC despite being literally right next to the Belt Parkway.
SUNDAY
Mike’s Coffee Shop— 328 Dekalb Avenue. Get breakfast here, you shall not regret it. As I mentioned earlier, I love sausage and these guys do it right.
See literally anything at Film Forum. I grew up going there and ended up working there for a while…it holds a very special place in my heart. Pair with a visit to King Wok for obscenely delicious Chinese food, which is right around the corner on Varick Street.
GO TO ARLENE’S AND WATCH US PLAY.
Go and sweat at Saint Vitus. High Command is playing.
Itinerary above written + provided by Uncle Skunk. Follow the band at @uncleskunkband, buy music on Bandcamp and add their songs to your Spotify playlists!
Feature image provided by the band.
MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS
ICYMI, this week we announced the BdBK 4TH BIRTHDAY BASH going down Friday 2/3 at The Broadway with Shred Flintstone, Two-Man Giant Squid, Talon, Go Home and Screenager. Grab your tix here. (And special thanks to Laura for the excellent flyer.)
TONIGHT! Meet us at Baby’s babies for the Oh My Rockness HARDEST WORKING BANDS SHOW celebrating the groups with the most OMR-listed shows in 2023: Pons, May Rio, Tits Dick Ass Joudy, My Son The Doctor and Dead Tooth! Grab your tix here.
Saturday: BAND LOTTERY IS BACK! Tomorrow morning, artists will meet at East Williamsburg Econo Lodge, names will be drawn from a hat and brand-new groups will be formed! Those baby bands will then go off to spend a few hours writing songs (+ drinking beers at Anchored Inn), then come back and perform for ONE NIGHT ONLY at the Lodge! Sign-ups are currently closed, but don’t miss the fruits of this strange and magical labor at the showcase tomorrow night. For deets, RSVP via bandNada.
Blow all your money buying presents (or just cool stuff for yourself) this holiday szn?! Never fear! Broke music lovers needn’t turn tricks to get tix because Union Pool’s got you covered this month with FREE SHOWS every Tuesday in January. Check out the schedule here and RSVP on the site.
RELEASE RADAR
New(ish) stuff from local (+ occasionally, once-local) artists we love, listed in no order whatsoever:
“MASS SUIXIDE” // Viktor Longo
“Adeline” // Stolen Jars
“A Long December” // Oceanator
Plastic Sun // Plight
“Going Home to a Party” // JW Francis
“Zoe” // Pan Arcadia
“Silver Songs Gold Guitars” // Shawn Ghost
“True Blue” // Widowspeak
IT’S HAPPENIN’
Here’s a look at the events we’ve got coming up. Mark your calendars and come hang!
1.8 BdBK Brunch w/ Uncle Skunk, Sue Your Landlord, Lily Mao @ Arlene’s Grocery - tix here
2.3 BdBK 4th Birthday Bash w/ Shred Flintstone, Two-Man Giant Squid, Talon, Go Home, Screenager @ The Broadway - tix here
+ ICYMI
Around the blog + on the radio + from the archives:
PREMIERE: Blackout and Dead Ringer from WifeKnife
VIDEO PREMIERE: “Wedding Ring” from Skinny Dippers
Thx 4 reading! Find more fun stuff at bandsdobk.com and @bandsdobk. <3
Order the Bands do BK BOOK (!) (out now via Lit Riot Press) here.